Get ready to transform ordinary cucumbers into an explosive flavor bomb that will have your friends and family begging for your secret recipe! These Spicy Garlicky Pickled Cucumbers are not just a side dish – they're a culinary adventure that combines the crisp freshness of cucumbers with a fiery kick of chili and the bold punch of garlic. In just 15 minutes of prep and a mere 24-hour wait, you'll create a mouthwatering condiment that will elevate any meal from boring to extraordinary.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 24 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Cucumbers
- Garlic
- Red chili flakes
- Vinegar
- Water
- Sugar
- Salt
Instructions
- Wash and thoroughly clean 4-5 medium-sized cucumbers, preferably using English or Persian cucumbers for best texture
- Slice cucumbers into thin rounds or spears, approximately 1/4 inch thick, ensuring uniform cut sizes for consistent pickling
- Peel and finely mince 4-5 fresh garlic cloves, releasing their intense aromatic oils
- In a clean glass jar or container, combine 1 cup white vinegar, 1/2 cup water, 2 tablespoons sugar, and 1 tablespoon salt, whisking until sugar and salt completely dissolve
- Add 1-2 teaspoons of red chili flakes to the vinegar brine, adjusting quantity based on desired spice level
- Layer sliced cucumbers and minced garlic into the jar, ensuring they are completely submerged in the vinegar brine
- Seal jar tightly and refrigerate for 24 hours, allowing flavors to fully develop and cucumbers to pickle
- Gently shake or stir jar occasionally during pickling process to distribute spices and garlic evenly
- After 24 hours, pickles are ready to serve chilled as a tangy, spicy side dish or condiment
Tips
- Choose the Right Cucumbers: English or Persian cucumbers work best due to their thin skin and minimal seeds, ensuring a crisp and clean pickle texture.
- Slice with Precision: Keep cucumber slices uniform (about 1/4 inch thick) to ensure even pickling and consistent flavor absorption.
- Garlic Matters: Freshly minced garlic provides the most intense flavor. Don't be shy – the more, the merrier!
- Spice Level Control: Adjust red chili flakes to match your heat tolerance. Start with less and add more in future batches.
- Cleanliness is Key: Use a clean, sterilized jar to prevent any unwanted bacterial growth and ensure pickle safety.
- Patience Pays Off: Allow the full 24 hours of refrigeration for flavors to develop and meld together perfectly.
- Serve Chilled: These pickles are best enjoyed straight from the refrigerator for maximum crunch and flavor intensity.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 15kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
